May Cause Side Effects

A Memoir

By: Brooke Siem

Narrated by: Candace Joice

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

An unforgettable memoir about the turmoil of antidepressant withdrawal and the work it takes to unravel the stories we tell ourselves to rationalize our suffering.

Brooke Siem was among the first generation of minors to be prescribed antidepressants. Initially diagnosed and treated in the wake of her father’s sudden death, this psychiatric intervention sent a message that something was pathologically wrong with her and that the only “fix” was medication. As a teenager, she stepped into the hazy world of antidepressants just at the time when she was forming the foundation of her identity. For the following fifteen years, every situation she faced was seen through the lens of brokenness.

A decade and a half later, still on the same cocktail of drugs, Brooke found herself hanging halfway out her Manhattan high-rise window, calculating the time it would take to hit the ground. As she looked for breaks in the pedestrian traffic patterns, a thought dawned on her: “I’ve spent half my life—and my entire adult life—on antidepressants. Who might I be without them?”

Unfurled against a global backdrop, May Cause Side Effects is the gripping story of what happened when, after fifteen years and 32,760 pills, Brooke was faced with a profound choice that plunged her into a year of excruciating antidepressant withdrawal and forced her to rebuild her entire life.

An illuminating memoir for those who take, prescribe, or are considering psychiatric drugs, May Cause Side Effects is an honest reminder that the road to true happiness is not mapped on a prescription pad. Instead, Brooke’s story reveals the messy reality of how healing begins at the bottomless depth of our suffering, in the deep self-work that pushes us to the edges of who we are.

©2022 Central Recovery Press (P)2022 Central Recovery Press

Loved it - Sadly Relatable

Finally someone is brave enough to share a story of SSRI withdrawal. I really enjoyed it. I hope this story prevents people from starting these drugs. Well written!

Very impressed!

I was very impressed with this memoir. it had way more depth and adventure than I realized! not only is it about mental and physical health, the author Doug into her relationships, self-discovery, and travel experiences. overall, the book was great and the author is very talented.

Life changing

This book literally changed my life. My boyfriend is on the same medication and has experienced very similar side effects while taking and trying to come off of the medication. It has been really hard for both of us. This book has given us more understanding on actual withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced and hope that with enough time the symptoms will go away. Thank you so much for sharing your story! This is the boost we needed to keep pushing forward!!

An Engrossing Read/Listen!

I picked up this audiobook on a lark and because I was curious about the history behind someone I found interesting, but little did I know the depths and courage taken by Brooke! I wish I had a longer commute some days because I poured over every ounce of her journey, thanking her aloud from in my car for the pearls of wisdom she gained. The recounting of her struggle and ultimate decision to take an even MORE daunting leap was eloquently read and passionately felt.

Well done, and thank you Brooke!

Tragic reality of so many young people.

Very compelling story. I have often wondered about the long term effects of putting our kids on medication. Our current system neglects the importance of healing trauma and mental health and just tries to hide the symptoms with medication. This story is complex and highlights some of these issues and more. Medication is not the enemy, but please educate yourself with possible side effects.

Unbelievable story on how to manage an unmanageable situation

I really appreciated the raw honesty and vulnerability displayed in Brooke's story as she navigated through the most challenging time in her life. I couldn’t stop listening! It was incredibly relatable to me, as I have also experienced similar struggles. It is truly a gift to have someone share their story and shed light on the difficult reality of what comes after deciding to stop medicating ourselves. 10/10

I liked this book…

…but the narrator was absolutely awful. Once I got to ‘Martin’ I wasn’t sure if I could go on, but I did to get to the ending. I’m not quite sure how this made it through QC with that terrible accent. Actually all the terrible accents. They aren’t necessary! Whether it was a man or someone Malaysian or a Russian or a Brit they all were unnecessary and often, blatantly offensive. I think I would have liked this book much more if either I’d read it or someone else had narrated it.